Buelwa- An Offering

The film is about a traditional and strict Khenpo Tempa, being sent out of the monastery by the Head Lama (Lopen Rinpoche) in order to work with the youth. Khenpo Tempa’s life, entangles with the life of three young people, Kelzang Drakpa, Tashi Pelzom and Gawa Dorji. Khenpo Tempa becomes a prime witness in a case of drug overdose and through which becomes a catalyst of change in the lives of young people, while going through a change within himself. While Kelzang Drakpa is a footballer, dealing with childhood trauma, Tashi Pelzom is a beautiful singer but upset with life events and hence a non believer. On the other hand, Gawa Dorji along with his best friend Kencho Dorji (both De-ssups- Nation service/ kings training program) are developing a Robot idea after finishing their Skilling program course in Robotics and Automation. The Robot ‘GaKe’ that they are developing with the help of their mentor Mr. David, is a youth caregiver robot based on Bhutanese values of happiness and compassion, to be sent as a Bhutan entry for Singapore Robotics Competition. The three youth are struggling with their problems such as anger issues, childhood trauma, lack of courage etc and Monk Tempa amidst which wants to help them to re gain balance and find a purpose in life, through mindfulness. Eventually, the three youth end up navigating life, overcoming obstacles. For Khenpo Tempa, his service and work with the youth becomes Buelwa An offering to the king and country. A mind body speech offering. Kelzang The body as he overcomes body trauma, Tashi the speech, as she uses her singing for a larger purpose and Gawa brings the mind, working in areas of technology, probably finding solutions for the future. Buelwa is a feature length film highlighting with many other messages such as mental health, employment, childhood trauma, drug issues and lack of purpose.

Buelwa for me is not just a film, but an offering. A National Day tribute film, the core messages are inspired by His Majesty The King of Bhutan' s vision for the country and especially the youth. In a fast changing society, young people are increasingly losing balance and focus. Youth issues are on the rise. Personally, Buddhism, in a more spiritual sense has helped me tremendously. Through the film, I'm trying to bring the two worlds one inside the monastery and one outside together, to create change and much needed transformation.